CENTRAL HIGHLANDS THE HEART OF

Central Highlands Snapshot The Central Highlands of Tasmania is a Economic Development diverse area of farms, townships, lakes and rivers. The municipality is rich in in the Central Highlands heritage and natural resources, and sparsely populated with 2,240 residents It is with great pleasure that I introduce this summary of the Central (2006 census). Highlands’ Economic Development Plan. The Plan provides a road map to unlock the potential of our rich and diverse municipality. It has been Forestry and fishing are the biggest developed after assessing the region’s assets and closely listening to the employers in the region, however it community’s needs and aspirations. This is our plan for the future of the Central Highlands. is the tourism industry which has the greatest growth potential. Consultants, Sinclair Knight Merz and Omenica, were commissioned by Council, with support from the Department of Economic Development, to develop the plan. Community Large numbers of tourists drive through input was facilitated through a series of forums in Hamilton and Bothwell. This was an the Central Highlands each year without exciting process which highlighted the ‘can do’ attitude in our community. stopping. The challenge is to persuade travellers to stop and stay longer, par- Now we have the plan, the hard work truly begins. Council will need to continue to draw on ticularly overnight. the skills and expertise in the community to make this plan a reality. Please take the time to read this brochure and I look forward to your support as we move into the implementation The Central Highlands is endowed phase. with intern­ationally reognised lakes, Deirdre Flint an historic golf course and heritage that Mayor makes the region perfectly poised to cater for the growing international interest in high quality fishing and golfing experiences. Key Industries Our vision is for the Central Highlands There is also the potential and a keen by employment desire for further community and Agriculture, 39.55% to provide residents and visitors agricultural development. Secure wa- forestry and fishing opportunities to participate ter supply is the key to further devel- Tourism 12% opment of agriculture and horticul- in and enjoy a vibrant local ture opportunities. Public administrations 18% and community services economy, rewarding community A Vision for the Future Retail and wholesale 5% life, cultural history and natural A vision for the municipality has been Construction 6% created, drawing on key objectives environment that is world class. identified by the community during the plan’s consultation phase. Central Highlands’ Economic Development Action Plan

Initiative g Population Growth Tourism Promote Agricultural Infrastructure Recreational Skills: Development New Business Development Facilities Education Timeframe Opportunities and Labour Force s

Short-term Stabilise declining population Increase the number of visitors that Promote and expand business Maximise agricultural development in Address immediate Enhance region for Increase adult training and objectives stop by 10 per cent development opportunities region infrastructure deficiencies enjoyment of central educational opportunities to assist in increasing highlands community and within central highlands employment and retention of visitors central highlands population

Short-term More available land for use within Seek funding for tourism precinct Review business development Facilitate access to capital for farmers Access to broadband Council to: Access funding opportunities initiatives existing semi-urban area project opportunities Investigate new market opportunities Water – ensure funding so Develop priorities for the to promote increased access to (1-2 years) Development of a promotional Identify an iconic event to develop Work with the Department shannon project proceeds region education campaign strategy for community and visitors of Economic Development Improve roads’ conditions Seek and support funding for Develop a relationship Tasmania with utas for on-farm Maintain an adequate level of Investigate potential for new event Lobby for access to better recreational facilities training opportunities for community services to keep up our Review new and upgraded mobile phone coverage Implement recreational plan undergraduates population here investment opportunities for central highlands Evaluate the level of essential services Council to determine the branding Develop picnic facilities across needed to support growth and for the municipality the region development in the community

Long-term Increase population Increase the number of visitors that To promote and expand Broaden and diversify agricultural Ensure infrastructure Provide adequate funding To increase adult training and objectives by 10 per cent in next 5 years stop by 20 per cent business development developments in the region is in place to support to develop and maintain educational opportunities opportunities to assist in sustainable economic facilities in the central within central highlands increasing employment and growth and development highlands region retention of central highlands population To see expansion in business sector and opening of new market opportunities

Long-term Retention of existing public access to Develop key targeted tourism Council to attract new Review land capability and high risk Develop integrated Develop a Community College initiatives and increase public transport within strategies for the municipality industry, with assistance from issues transport strategy for at Ouse (1-5 years) the region” Develop tourism forums every 12 department of economic Ensure water security for farmers and community Develop a strategy to access months to share ideas development tasmania agricultural business by developing employment programs new water opportunities Work with the irrigation development board to identify new water sources and supplies to provide wider opportunities for agricultural development and diversity of land use. Encourage the development of the dairy industry within the region Partnerships The Central Highlands Council will form partnerships with the local community and the State Government to tap into the additional resources and expertise needed to action the Plan. A formal partnership agreement will be signed with the Department of Economic Development. Council will also establish steering committees with community representatives to provide advice and support project implementation. Council will also seek community input into the annual strategic planning process and progess reviews over the year. Next Steps The Central Highlands Economic Development Action Plan has prioritised the actions into short-term and long-term initiatives. The initial implementation plan includes: n Appointment of a full-time Regional Development Officer to Council n Develop a business plan for a Central Highlands Tourism Precinct and Visitor Centre at Bothwell n Further develop and market international quality fishing experiences n Develop an integrated caravan and camping strategy n Establish a small business advisory one stop shop, providing information on business assistance programs, mentors and business advisory services. n Establish a land mark event for the region and integrated event calendar In addition to these actions, information will be gathered to identify the benefits of sealing the Highway and , development of higher value agriculture/horticulture, and changes to the planning scheme to encourage population growth.

For further information: Lyn Eyles General Manager Central Highlands Council Tarleton Street, Hamilton Tasmania 7140 PO Box 20, Hamilton Tasmania 7140

Phone: (03) 6286 3202 Photo credits: Fax: (03) 6286 3334 Hamilton Sheep Station (page 1) Tourism Tasmania and Nick Osborne Bothwell Golf Course (page 2) Tourism Tasmania and Garry Moore Fly Fishing (page 1, bottom) Tourism Tasmania and Bill Bachman This report was produced with the support Trout Fishing (page 1) of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism Tourism Tasmania and George Apostolidis Tasmanian Highlands (page 1) Tourism Tasmania and Warren Steptoe Highland Lake (page 3) Tourism Tasmania and Warren Steptoe Highland Flora (page 4) Tourism Tasmania and Warren Steptoe Central Plateau (page 1) Tourism Tasmania and Geoff Murray